[5] Since its inception, the scholarship has paid for more than 20,000 students to attend colleges and universities, and has awarded more than $614 million for education costs including tuition, fees, books and housing.
[7] "The Millennium Scholars program is intended to ensure that we build a stronger America through improved educational opportunities.
[9][10] Over time, it is anticipated that Gates Scholars will become leaders in all their respective fields, and will help to address global problems related to health, equity, technology, and learning[11] - all areas in which the Foundation is deeply engaged.
To meet the minimum qualifications for the scholarship award, applicants must be high school seniors with at least a cumulative 3.3 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university.
[16][17] Ideally, applicants should be able to provide strong examples of personal success and growth (emotional maturity, motivation, preservation, etc.)